Chevy Silverado Hybrid Pickup

Comments

"A normal car with regen capabilities". The Chevy pickup doesn't do anything a normal car can not do (shut off at stops, provide plugs to power TVs/radios). Even the regen braking can be done with a normal car, via using the starter motor.

But definitely NOT a hybrid. A hybrid dumps the electrical power to the wheels.

Doesn't the Chevy keep the heat/AC and other ancilliary systems running while the engine is turned off? That's not something any other vehicle can do, even if you manually shut it down. Plus all electrical systems will reboot everytime you turn the key back on. More importantly, you can't turn your vehicle off while it's coasting because you would lose brake/steering assist.

Being an owner of sister Sierra I would say you are correct. It is nice having auto stop and a very refined starter. Plus I have used the 120 VAC a couple times to trim trees a ways from any AC outlets. Nice truck and you don't have to have the CA smog tests at $50 a whack. Of course you get the best truck in it's class and the prices this summer were great. To me the mileage was way down the list of wants and of little importance.

The add'l cost is worth it because you get a tax deduction and a nice generator to boot. True the mileage gains are minimal but GM should really not call it a hybrid. They were better off just putting a diesel engine in it.

I would have to agree with that. I don't know if hybrid PU trucks will be practical at all. I seriously doubt the HSD system that Toyota uses will be well suited for a work truck. It lends itself more to cars like the Prius and I imagine the Camry. The two SUVs Toyota is building are hardly worth the huge premium. More disgruntled owners of the RH & HH than happy campers. Toyota should have realized by now that they are not very good as 4X4 vehicles and they are not saving much gas.

Did GM screw up with their wannabe hybrid? I'll let you know in 5 or so years.

It is VERY pointless because, trust me, when you replace the hybrid cell (which, since it's a Chevy, it's probably not going to last as long as it says), you're going to spend so much on that cell that you will probably end up LOSING money on it.

There's no reason to buy a Chevrolet to begin with, but IF you bought this Silverado hybrid, just about the only thing that would be good is that you could claim it on your taxes and get a bigger refund (or have to pay less).

you're going to spend so much on that cell that you will probably end up LOSING money on it.

What cell might that be? The battery is a $200 42 volt lead acid. The starter generator is very large and starts the engine instantly when you remove your foot from the brake. A DC/AC invertor is provided for 120volt AC power 20 amp service. Very handy for compressors and saws when away from commercial power. All that was $1000 extra. With no degradation to towing power or off-road ability. And GM still builds the best PU trucks available.

My GMC Sierra Hybrid has not had a problem in 15 months. I don't get the mileage I had hoped for. It is about 1 MPG higher than my 1999 Suburban around town driving. Maybe 2 MPG better on the highway. Not great for a lighter, tinnier plastic truck.

1st 20 miles the brake brain went out, 25000 miles we lost the hybrid starting system, 29000 the heater went out, 32000, the heater went out again, 53000 the hybrid starting system went out, 56000 had to replace 4 batteries, 75000 the hybrid starting system went out again, 77000 the electrical outlets in the bed stopped working, 92000 miles no hybrid starting system, 109000 the hybrid starting system started on fire and melted the engine and hood. this is a 2006 we aren't getting a new hybrid.